Theresa May's general election call is a twist worthy of an Alfred Hitchcock film, the official running the EU's Brexit negotiations has suggested.

The President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, tweeted: "It was Hitchcock, who directed Brexit: first an earthquake and the tension rises."

Image:Donald Tusk, President of the European Council and Hitchcock fan

The former Polish premier, who is overseeing plans for talks with the Britain, was referencing a quote attributed to the British filmmaker - known as the master of suspense - that a good film "should start with an earthquake and be followed by rising tension".

Mr Tusk also said he had a "good phone call with PM @theresa_may on upcoming UK elections" in the wake of her announcement, while his spokesman indicated that the PM's u-turn would not change the EU's Brexit negotiation plans.